2021 Chevrolet Trax Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#9 most-complained of 12 Trax years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax has a Complaint Index of 27, ranking 9th worst out of 12 model years and earning a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 24 complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 fire, with Electrical System issues as the top problem area (9 complaints, 38% share).
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 24 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2021 Chevy Trax problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (38%)
- Engine7 (29%)
- Brakes6 (25%)
- Airbags3 (13%)
- Other3 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (13%)
- Fuel System2 (8%)
- HVAC1 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report air bags failing to deploy in side- and rear-impact crashes, sometimes with the engine reportedly detaching from its mounts.
- Some drivers describe an engine compartment fire with white smoke and hot air from the AC while driving around 45 mph.
- Brake pedals have been reported to stick or become depressed and stuck, requiring manual retraction and diagnosis of brake positioner failure.
- Electrical system complaints include repeated battery failures tied to alternator charging problems, along with permanent diagnostic codes described as a communication blackout between engine and transmission.
- Hard braking has caused the vehicle to pull sharply to one side, though dealer inspections of pads and rotors found no fault.
- Seat belts have been reported to fail to restrain occupants during a rear-end collision.
2021 Chevrolet Trax recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2021 Chevrolet Trax fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Trax years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trax reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Trax has a Complaint Index of 27 and ranks 9th worst out of 12 model years for this model, earning a Good verdict relative to other Trax years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
- Electrical System complaints lead with 9 complaints, 38% of the total, including a fire and a crash, at a median mileage of 48,900.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trax have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Trax.
- How does the 2021 Trax compare to other Trax model years?
- The 2021 Trax's Complaint Index of 27 is lower than the 2019 (82), 2024 (100), and 2025 (91) model years, all rated Avoid, making 2021 a relatively better choice among Trax years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Trax?
- The 2021 Trax gets an EPA combined 26.5 mpg (24 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450.