2019 Chevrolet Trax Safety Report
2019 Chevrolet Trax: Strong Crash Ratings, but Persistent Turbocharger and Suspension Issues Noted in Complaints and Recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability Score
The 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Trax
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger Failure Numerous reports of turbocharger cracking or failure, leading to reduced acceleration, loss of power, and check engine light (P0299 code). This often occurs well before 100,000 miles and can be a recurring issue, with some owners reporting multiple replacements. |
High | Common | 35000-90000 miles |
| Suspension Lower-Control Arm Weld Defect A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V871000) addresses improperly welded front lower-control arm joints, which could lead to partial separation and impact vehicle handling, increasing crash risk. This aligns with 14 SUSPENSION complaints. |
High | Common | N/A miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment / Sdm Issue A recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V872000) indicates the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) may not have been properly configured, potentially preventing airbag deployment in a crash. At least one complaint describes airbags failing to deploy in an accident. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Steering Wheel Freezing/Stiff Reports of the steering wheel freezing or becoming stiff in cold weather, requiring the cabin to warm up or manual force to loosen, posing a safety concern during initial driving. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Digital Instrument Cluster (Dic) Failure The digital instrument cluster screen (displaying speed, odometer, tire pressure, oil life) can go black or become inoperable, preventing the driver from accessing critical vehicle information. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Hvac Blower Motor/Resistor Failure Issues with the climate control fan resistor burning out or the blower motor not working, potentially causing electrical issues and affecting defogging, as noted in a service bulletin. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax:
The most reported component with 14 complaints, directly linked to a recall for improperly welded lower-control arm joints that can affect handling.
With 13 complaints, issues range from A/C unit connector failures to instrument cluster malfunctions and climate control electrical problems.
12 complaints, primarily concerning turbocharger failures leading to loss of power and check engine lights, often requiring expensive replacements.
12 complaints categorized as unknown or other, indicating a variety of less frequent but still reported issues.
8 complaints, including issues like the steering wheel freezing in cold temperatures.
6 complaints related to braking system issues.
4 complaints, including instances of non-deployment during crashes, linked to a recall for the Sensing Diagnostic Module.
4 complaints, including reports of transmission hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Chevrolet Trax
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Trax safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Chevrolet Trax received excellent crash test ratings (5 stars overall, frontal, and side, 4 stars rollover). However, 129 owner complaints, including 9 crashes and 8 injuries, highlight significant real-world safety concerns, particularly with suspension defects (14 complaints, subject to recall) and airbag deployment issues (4 complaints, subject to recall).
What are common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
The most reported issues are related to the SUSPENSION (14 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13 complaints), and ENGINE (12 complaints). Specifically, turbocharger failures are a very common and expensive problem, often occurring between 35,000-90,000 miles. Other issues include steering wheel freezing in cold weather and failures of the digital instrument cluster.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax?
Yes, there are two significant recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. One addresses improperly welded front lower-control arm joints (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V871000), which can affect vehicle handling. The second recall concerns the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V872000), which could prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.
How does the 2019 Trax perform in crash tests?
The 2019 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.
Is the turbocharger a known issue on the 2019 Trax?
Yes, turbocharger failure is a frequently reported and significant issue for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, with numerous complaints citing loss of power, check engine lights (P0299 code), and expensive replacements, often occurring around 35,000 to 90,000 miles. Some owners report multiple failures.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of common and costly issues like turbocharger failures and critical safety recalls for suspension and airbags; a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Chevrolet Trax
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The data includes 129 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.