2021 Chevrolet Trax Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Chevrolet Trax? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 21 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Chevrolet Trax has 21 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2021 Chevrolet Trax Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Chevrolet Trax trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Chevrolet Trax Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Chevrolet Trax has 21 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Trax
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 21
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Chevrolet Trax problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Trax
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring harnesses.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including battery, alternator, and wiring harnesses.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Trax, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 21 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax, issues appear concentrated in electrical faults, engine problems, and brake system concerns. Crash-related complaints account for 4 of the total, but the low sample size limits confidence in broader trends.
- Electrical faults are the most reported component with 8 complaints.
- Engine problems account for 7 complaints, the second highest category.
- Brake system issues are noted in 6 complaints.
- Electrical faults, including potential wiring or module failures.
- Engine problems, such as stalling or performance issues.
- Brake system malfunctions, possibly affecting stopping ability.
Full breakdown
All 2021 Chevrolet Trax complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 7 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the driver's side roof rack exterior trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the fa…
The vehicle has 2 permanent codes. One is a communication blackout, the other code means the hardware is melting. GM is doing a formal inspection in April. The Ucode meant that the engine stopped talking to the transmission or visa versa. The vehicle “ran my daughter and I” off t…
The Turbo Charger failed suddenly without a prior display of a warning light and was replaced by an independent service center in June 2025. I received a letter from GM in November 2025 stating there was a known "condition" that may cause the Turbo Charger to need replacing but a…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, while the roads were clear, dry, and the weather was good, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 55 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and th…
Check engine light keeps coming on. Crankshaft sensor is the problem according to the code but the dealership says it’s the catalyst converter. Also my low power engine light came on.
At roughly 20,000 miles, my cars' carplay connection begain to intermittently disconnect. Never could get it to reproduce the same results when at the dealership. At roughly 60,000 miles the VCU (vehicle cockpit unit) began glitching. It would flicker, go black and then come back…
UNKNOWN I’ve had my car for 11 months. When I first got the car I got it fully inspected and there were minor issues like tires and brakes. However, now the ac compressor is completely damaged and there may be contamination in my lines. This is not an owner issue. I take really …
The instrument panel where the digital speed, tire pressure, mileage etc.. is displayed goes black. Sometimes it comes back on and sometimes it stays off for hours
The front exhaust flex pipe leaked by a corrosive hole that allowed exhaust and CO carbon monoxide to escape making the drivers dizzy, nauseated, and with a headache. This also caused the vehicle to smoke, run rough and stall in traffic. This also required the post 02 sensor to …
1/23/25 This is the 3rd time the turbocharger has malfunction within 2 1/2 months and is once again at the dealership service department. Horrible smoke was filling the inside of the car while I was driving and smelled as though something was badly burning. The car had began shak…
On 11/25/24 while my daughter was driving my 2021 Trax all of a sudden the engine light came on and my car lost power while lots of smoke began coming out of the exhaust pipe the car started to shake she thankfully made it to the Dealership service department where the codes show…
My car is only at around 37,7000 miles. My I have only had it since it was around 15,000 miles. My battery has died at least 4 times due to my alternator having problems charging. My brakes have also gone out on me at one point in the beginning. My battery is now trash and so is …
My car, which as of today, July 6, 2024 has a mileage of 45349, and is experiencing issues related to the EVAP purge pump under speed. I see that there is already been a recall on multiple models of the Chevrolet tracks, but not mine as it is a 2021 and not a 2020. I have owned t…
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, another vehicle rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger seat belts failed to restrain both occupants. The air bags also failed to deploy upon impac…
The vehicle is very hard to control in high winds. I was driving down the highway on a very windy day the vehicle fishtailed the entire time. Almost rolled the vehicle it’s very dangerous
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The contact had to manually retract the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with brake positioner…
It appears the rear axle separated from the vehicle. This appears to prevented braking ability. My conclusion is from skid marks at the crash scene. Also Front wheels disengaged. I have photos.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the AC unit was distributing hot air. The contact detected white smoke emerging from the engine compartment and the vehicle caught fire. The contact was able to pull over and exi…
My wife was driving and we were hit hard enough to shove the vehicle into the next lane and crumple the undercarriage of the vehicle. Making it undrivable anymore. And any information I can find says side impact air bags will deploy if the vehicle is hit anywhere on the side of t…
1,992 miles. Two times when applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard to the right. Both times I narrowly avoided hitting the vehicle in front of me. I went to the service department they did a test drive and were unable to duplicate the issue. They checked the brake pads and…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax.
Safety recalls
2021 Chevrolet Trax recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Chevrolet Trax buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 21 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (8 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (7 complaints). #3: Brake System (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Chevrolet Trax, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 21 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Trax?▾
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Trax reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Chevrolet Trax based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.