2021 Chevrolet Trax Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has 26 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve electrical system and service brakes.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 26 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 23.1%
SERVICE BRAKES
3 11.5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 11.5%
ENGINE
3 11.5%
AIR BAGS
2 7.7%
Quick Insights
The top category is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 23.1% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 12 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Chevrolet Trax
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has 26 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 23% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6), SERVICE BRAKES (3), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 19 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 12 of 12 systems
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 Reports23% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 exit the vehicle without injury. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was the deployment of air bags. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
1/6/2023
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 alternator.
7/19/2024
SERVICE BRAKES
3 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 rotors and stated all look normal. In addition they did a multi-point inspection. 6,253 miles. Again applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard right. Days later the brakes were spongy and then that lead up to the brakes going to the floor board. I went to the service department where they did a test drive and found that they were going to the floor board. They ran a diagnostic check and found the master cylinder were causing concern. They installed sl-n-cylinder kit (04649-95414) and n-fluid (08800-bopckt) They replaced brake master cylinder and reset the operation. Lop=2440100 L=1.10 L=0.50 to bleed system. They did a multi-point inspection. They indicated caused by scheduled maintenance. With all incidents no warning lights were showing.
9/5/2021
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 rotors and stated all look normal. In addition they did a multi-point inspection. 6,253 miles. Again applying brakes hard the vehicle pulled hard right. Days later the brakes were spongy and then that lead up to the brakes going to the floor board. I went to the service department where they did a test drive and found that they were going to the floor board. They ran a diagnostic check and found the master cylinder were causing concern. They installed sl-n-cylinder kit (04649-95414) and n-fluid (08800-bopckt) They replaced brake master cylinder and reset the operation. Lop=2440100 L=1.10 L=0.50 to bleed system. They did a multi-point inspection. They indicated caused by scheduled maintenance. With all incidents no warning lights were showing.
9/5/2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 itâs very dangerous
8/4/2023
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 this vehicle for two months, and have kept up with all of the maintenance as instructed. But I figured that this malfunction will lead to further damage, including but not limited to blown head gasket or blown engine.
7/6/2024
ENGINE
3 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 showed a FUEL TRIM PROBLEM once that problem was serviced my daughter picked the car up drove my car home and the very next day my Trax engine light came on again and once again it Lost Power my daughter went back to the Dealership service department where the codes showed aTurbocharger problem. I have 33,440 miles on my 2021 Trax and purchased it last year from the Dealership. My car is still there.
12/7/2024
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 shaking with minimal driving and loss of power. Electric dashboard not working which should indicate if there is any particular problems going on with my Trax. This is a real Safety Hazard. My car should be recalled in order to fix this hazardous problem once and for all!
1/26/2025
AIR BAGS
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 the vehicle. Which clearly did not happen in this case. A side note I can only ever find videos on direct side impact not indirect impacts that involves the wheels. In either case the front or back tire impacts will still involve the persons head being slammed into the door window causing head injury.
9/3/2022
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 impact. A police report was filed. The contact managed to drive away from the scene of the accident. The contact and the other occupant both sought medical attention the next day at a hospital. The contact was treated for multiple herniated, torn, and bulging discs on their vertebrae. The contact's passenger also sustained several bulging discs on their vertebrae which extended from the neck to the bottom of the spine. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
4/2/2024
POWER TRAIN
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 this vehicle for two months, and have kept up with all of the maintenance as instructed. But I figured that this malfunction will lead to further damage, including but not limited to blown head gasket or blown engine.
7/6/2024
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 shaking with minimal driving and loss of power. Electric dashboard not working which should indicate if there is any particular problems going on with my Trax. This is a real Safety Hazard. My car should be recalled in order to fix this hazardous problem once and for all!
1/26/2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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 showed a FUEL TRIM PROBLEM once that problem was serviced my daughter picked the car up drove my car home and the very next day my Trax engine light came on again and once again it Lost Power my daughter went back to the Dealership service department where the codes showed aTurbocharger problem. I have 33,440 miles on my 2021 Trax and purchased it last year from the Dealership. My car is still there.
12/7/2024
UNKNOWN Iâve 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 good care of my car. I just donât know how this couldâve happened if this wasnât a manufacturer related issue.
6/27/2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 exit the vehicle without injury. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was the deployment of air bags. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,800.
1/6/2023
SUSPENSION
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
6/16/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 failure. The contact was informed that the brake positioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer on three separate occasions however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,681.
7/24/2023
SEAT BELTS
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 impact. A police report was filed. The contact managed to drive away from the scene of the accident. The contact and the other occupant both sought medical attention the next day at a hospital. The contact was treated for multiple herniated, torn, and bulging discs on their vertebrae. The contact's passenger also sustained several bulging discs on their vertebrae which extended from the neck to the bottom of the spine. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
4/2/2024
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1 Report4% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 after a few seconds. Now at 92,xxx miles (don't know how many miles because it's black right now) its off more than its on. I can't get access to important vehicle information including digital speedometer, milage, tire pressure, oil life span, miles left until my gas tank is empty, and more. This makes it impossible to adhere to an oil change done at proper intervals, knowing my exact speed when driving, or if I'm about to run out of gas. And i cant see my tire pressure if it fluctuates before the tire pressure sensor goes off, possibly preventing me from getting to safety BEFORE i have a flat tire. GM has a recall for the screens on the newer 2024 and 2025 Trax, but this has been an issue in the Chevy Trax since around 2016. Also while driving in rain or wet conditions, the side detection shuts off and the screen will say "Side Detection System Unavailable" and no longer works. I have not been able to take my car to the dealership because they want too keep it and I don't have another way to get to work or get groceries. This car is my lifeline.
7/21/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
Are complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
Are complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Trax severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Trax: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 26
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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