How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?

NHTSA lists 22 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Trax, which is 19% of the 117 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do 2016 Trax electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Trax is 59,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax electrical system?

Yes. NHTSA recalls 16V422000 and 16V257000 cover 2016 Trax vehicles with a Bring Your Own Media radio that may fail to provide an audible warning; GM's remedy is a free dealer radio software update.

Are 2016 Trax electrical complaints worse than other model years?

The 19% share for 2016 is similar to 2015 (24%), 2017 (23%), and 2019 (19%), and lower than 2020 (28%), 2021 (38%), and 2024 (43%), so 2016 is not the highest year for this problem area.

Did the 2016 Trax electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported among the Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Trax.

2016 Chevrolet Trax Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 22 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, 19% of its 117 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 59,000. Two related recalls (16V422000, 16V257000) cover Bring Your Own Media radio software that may fail to sound audible warnings.

Electrical System complaints: 22; 19% of 117
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 59,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Steering wheel suddenly stiffens or locks up while driving, sometimes accompanied by clicking noises in the steering column.
Interior electrical systems fail together, including dimming interior lights, a non-functioning radio, no sound for turn-signal or sensor chimes, and a key that gets very hot.
Power door locks stop working, in one case trapping a passenger inside the vehicle while parked.
Radio freezes and the rear view parking camera malfunctions during driving.
Warning lights (engine, stabilitrak) illuminate along with sudden loss of power and difficulty accelerating, described by owners as an electrical problem.
Dashboard A/C control selector linkage stops working, leaving owners without functioning climate control.

When 2016 Chevrolet Trax electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 6, 2017, latest Apr 24, 2026.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Apr 2026; peak May 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax

NHTSA 16V422000Jun 10, 2016Electrical System18,780 vehicles
Electrical system:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
NHTSA 16V257000Apr 28, 2016Electrical System317,572 vehicles
Electrical system:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.

Electrical System complaints by Trax model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20130 (0%)
20140 (0%)
201523 (24%)
201622 (19%)
201726 (23%)
201818 (18%)
201925 (19%)
202026 (28%)
20219 (38%)
20221 (11%)
202473 (43%)
202530 (35%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Trax?: NHTSA lists 22 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Trax, which is 19% of the 117 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2016 Trax electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Trax is 59,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax electrical system?: Yes. NHTSA recalls 16V422000 and 16V257000 cover 2016 Trax vehicles with a Bring Your Own Media radio that may fail to provide an audible warning; GM's remedy is a free dealer radio software update.
Are 2016 Trax electrical complaints worse than other model years?: The 19% share for 2016 is similar to 2015 (24%), 2017 (23%), and 2019 (19%), and lower than 2020 (28%), 2021 (38%), and 2024 (43%), so 2016 is not the highest year for this problem area.
Did the 2016 Trax electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported among the Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Trax.