What is the best year for a Chevrolet Trax?

The weakest years by those same measures are 2024 and 2025 — worth closer inspection before buying, not an automatic pass. Verdict: no standout year — any of the stronger years is a reasonable buy.

How much does Chevrolet Trax insurance cost?

Full-coverage insurance for the Chevrolet Trax averages $2,013 a year, about $168 a month (industry average). That is more than the subcompact segment average of $1,995. Actual rates vary by trim, location, and driving record — compare quotes before buying.

Is the Chevrolet Trax or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

Maintenance runs $488 a year on the Chevrolet Trax versus $301 on the Honda HR-V. Reliability scores are 8/10 and 10/10. Unscheduled repairs average 0.18 versus 0.1 times per year. Verdict: the Honda HR-V is the cheaper of the two to run.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Trax?

The chance of a major repair in a given year is 12%, so roughly 88 in 100 owners will not face one — above the subcompact segment norm of 9%. Reliability sits at 8/10. Verdict: for most years, no — the odds do not justify the cost.

Chevrolet Trax Maintenance Cost

Chevrolet Trax maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified July 2026

$488

Annual maint.

8/10

Reliability

12%

Major repair risk (5yr)

$2,013

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year Trax should you buy?

Green is safe, red means major known issues. Tap any year.
Years scored against Trax's own complaint record — not against other SUVs.

2015 Chevrolet Trax

First generation (U200/TJ)

Engine: 1.4 L LUV I4 turbo (138 hp, port injection 2015–2021; direct injection from 2022)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Neutral

7 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Suspension
Air Bags
Equipment
Electrical System
Steering

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the Trax

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Unknown or other, engine

Common

Years affected: 2015–2022, 2024–2026

Fuel system, gasoline, electrical system

Moderate

Years affected: 2015–2022, 2024–2025

Structure

Moderate

Years affected: 2015–2021, 2024–2025

Vehicle speed control, engine

Rare

Years affected: 2015–2021, 2024–2025

Steering, suspension, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2015–2021, 2024–2026

Electrical system, exterior lighting, air bags

Rare

Years affected: 2015–2022, 2024–2026

Suspension, electrical system, equipment

Rare

Years affected: 2015–2021

Steering, power train

Rare

Years affected: 2015–2020, 2025

Visibility/wiper

Rare

Years affected: 2016–2017, 2019–2022, 2024–2025

Wheels

Rare

Years affected: 2016–2020, 2024

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a Trax extended warranty worth it?

Worth considering. The Chevrolet Trax has an above-average major repair probability for the segment — a warranty is worth pricing before you buy, especially on higher-mileage examples. If you want to minimise risk, stick to the 2022. Pay particular attention to 2021, 2024, and 2025 model years.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used Trax?

The Trax loses value faster than most — only 79% retained after 3 years, below the subcompact SUV average of 86%. Here's what that means for the new vs used decision.

79%

Value retained · 3 yr

57%

Value retained · 5 yr

45%

Value retained · 7 yr

New Trax

$23,000

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used Trax

$19,750

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2024, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$488

Major repair risk (any year)12%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$2,013

MPG combined (City/Hwy)29

Value depreciation after 3 yr$4,599

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Honda HR-V

$301/yr maint · 10 reliability

Full comparison

More Subcompact SUVs

Honda HR-V Subaru Crosstrek All Subcompact SUVs →

// FAQ

Common questions

The Chevrolet Trax averages $488 a year in maintenance. That is $22 above the subcompact segment average of $466. Owners bring it in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.18 times per year, below the subcompact segment at 0.2. Its reliability score is 8/10. Verdict: costlier than the segment, budget accordingly.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →