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2016 Chevrolet Trax

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

Chevrolet Trax
Pictured: 2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS, front left, 12-10-2023. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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
Not rated
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

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.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Ls/Lt/Ltz FWD 4dr SUV167.7 in70.1 in65.7 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,047 lb60/40
Lt/Ltz AWD 4dr SUV167.7 in70.1 in65.7 in100.8 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,254 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Trax1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+18%$2,300310
Trax AWD1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 27+17%$2,500333
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Trax.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Chevrolet Trax (this car)29 MPGNot rated5
2016 Hyundai Tucson28 MPGNot rated5
2016 Honda HR-V31 MPGNot rated2
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated2
2016 Kia Sportage23 MPGNot rated2
2016 Jeep Compass25 MPGNot rated1
2016 Subaru Crosstrek31 MPGNot rated1

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Chevrolet Trax is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

120Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
41,345 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine46
Electrical System24
Air Bags18
Unknown Or Other15
Steering14
Power Train13
Service Brakes9
Suspension7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 223/05: 223/09: 223/10: 224/01: 124/03: 124/05: 124/06: 124/09: 224/10: 124/12: 125/02: 125/03: 225/07: 225/08: 125/11: 225/12: 126/02: 126/04: 226/05: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 323/0223/1024/0524/1025/0325/1126/0426/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Chevrolet Trax buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 18 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,345 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Trax30178.7 inNot rated017
2025 Trax30178.7 in★★★★★198
2024 Trax30178.7 in★★★★★1180
2022 Trax27167.3 in★★★★★09
2021 Trax28167.3 in★★★★★025
2020 Trax28167.3 in★★★★★098
2019 Trax28167.3 in★★★★★2136
2018 Trax28167.3 in★★★★★2102
2017 Trax28167.3 inNot rated3114
2015 Trax29167.7 inNot rated796

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →