2016 Chevrolet Trax
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Ls/Lt/Ltz FWD 4dr SUV, Lt/Ltz AWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 167.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047–3,254 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 small SUV (24.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,047 lb (Ls/Lt/Ltz FWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 18% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Trax — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Trax →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ls/Lt/Ltz FWD 4dr SUV | 167.7 in | 70.1 in | 65.7 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,047 lb | 60/40 |
| Lt/Ltz AWD 4dr SUV | 167.7 in | 70.1 in | 65.7 in | 100.8 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,254 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trax | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +18% | $2,300 | 310 |
| Trax AWD | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +17% | $2,500 | 333 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Trax SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.8% |
| 2016 Chevrolet Trax SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Trax (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda HR-V | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Kia Sportage | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (5)
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint · Sep 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V652000 · 93,722 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. A joint in one or both of the front lower control arms may have been improperly welded. An improperly welded joint may break, resulting in the partial separation of the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A partial separation of the lower-control arm from the vehicle could cause the attached front wheel to toe outward, impacting the vehicle's handling and steering and increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left and right front lower-control arms, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A192261870.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Trax is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Trax buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 18 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,345 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Trax years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 18 |
| 2025 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 98 |
| 2024 Trax | 30 | 178.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 180 |
| 2022 Trax | 27 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 9 |
| 2021 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 25 |
| 2020 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 98 |
| 2019 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 136 |
| 2018 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 102 |
| 2017 Trax | 28 | 167.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2015 Trax | 29 | 167.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 96 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →